As the “Gangnam Style” by Psy hits a peak on charts and popularity, an interest in K-Pop, a South Korean wave of pop stars finally begins to be recognized after critical interest and a slowly expanding audience that now reaches around the world. Psy is an unusual choice for Americans to celebrate, the acts; solo, boy bands, and girl groups, have become elaborate, talented, and full of hooks. The artists are trained and developed by management companies to become the best, in every way. Media trained, strong dancers, powerful vocals, and able to tour and work non-stop; the Energizer Bunny doesn’t have shit on these entertainers. Some of the most engaging groups include 2NE1, BIGBANG, Girls Generation, T-ara, TVXQ, Wonder Girls, and solo acts G-Dragon (apart of BIGBANG and GD&TOP), and Neon Bunny.
What inspired this article was the latest videos promoting G-Dragon’s newest EP One of a Kind. “크레용 (Crayon),” a mind-blowing video and incredibly Billboard Hot 100 ready. It sounds exactly like what’s on the radio, but just slightly crazier, and slightly better… and half the lyrics are in a different language. The director, Seo Hyun Seung, has created equally magnificent pop-art videos that capture a style and swagger that can not be mimicked. 2NE1, an outrageous girl group that is friends with the winged-shoed fashion designer affiliated with Adidas, has similarly catchy music with music videos that would put American artists to shame, such as one of the best pop songs of 2011, “I am the Best.” The talent in the K-Pop community is worthy of dominating the world, and when it occurs it will be like a British Invasion, but with more style and a hell-of-a-lot more dance. Glimpses of what may be to come shine with Girls Generation’s American promotions and Psy’s bursting into the mainstream. It has the ability to become a movement. Whether Psy is a good introduction to this movement is debatable though, so do yourself a favour and check out what K-Pop really has to offer:
